Thailand
proudly proclaims that it has never been colonized. One aspect of this fact is
that it has retained its unique culture, traditions and language. With a rich
heritage and abundant natural resources, Thailand is unquestionably one of the
most exotic countries in Asia. Begin in Bangkok, one of the world’s most
exciting cities and one of extremes. Explore the many facets of Bangkok’s China
Town and experience a feats for the senses as you meander through the network
of narrow alleys where an unimaginable assortment of goods is laid out on
footpaths and in tiny shops and where you may relax. Continue northward to
Chiang Mai see exotic temples, mountains, and markets. Enjoy outdoor
activities, elephant interaction and visits to nearby hill tribes. End on one
of Thailand’s idyllic beaches to luxuriate on powdery white sand and in crystal
clear waters.

** All our tours are
Exclusive Private Tours, so you will not be put together with other guests **

Day 1: Welcome to Bangkok

Fly
to Bangkok, THAILAND

Welcome to Thailand.
Upon arrival in Bangkok, obtain your Thailand visa (please refer to your
Special Program Note), and then clear Immigration and Customs. After
collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside a local Guide of
Global Travel & Tours. He/she will be holding a sign with your names on it.
Please note that local guides are not allowed inside the airport.

From the airport, you will
be privately transferred to the lovely boutique hotel. Bangkok Thailand’s
capital city, known to Thais as “Krung Thep” (the City of Angels) is one of the
world’s most exciting cities. It holds the essence of the Thai spirit, and is
very much the heart of the country. Without doubt, this fast-growing metropolis
of roughly 10 million people has something to offer to everyone. Its lively
collection of nightlife venues, markets, shops, restaurants, magnificent “wats”
(temples), museums, palaces and parks will assure that you never get bored.
Settle in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.

Begin your full day tour of
this city visiting three impressive temples. First drive through the
morning flower markets to explore real Thai lifestyle. Visit
Wat Traimit with its invaluable Golden Buddha (5 ½ tons of solid gold); Wat
Pho, the largest temple in Bangkok, with the colossal Reclining Buddha and the
Chedis of the Kings.

View the enormous Buddha
covered in gold leaf and lying majestically on its side. Next,
continue to the city's most important landmark, the Grand Palace, which is one
of the most beautiful examples of ancient Siamese architecture and has been the
residence of the Kings of Thailand for over two centuries. Here you will see
palaces which were used for different occasions: the Funeral Palace, the
Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House
and Wat Phra Kaew, containing the most revered Buddha image in the country, the
Emerald Buddha, made from one solid piece of translucent green jade.

After lunch at a Thai restaurant
near the Chao Phraya River, embark on a water excursion on the river and its
canals. Board a long-tailed boat to explore the klongs (canals) of
Bangkok’s Thonburi, in the west of Bangkok, situated on the right side of the
Chao Phraya River. Its many canals had originally given Bangkok the name
"Venice of the East." Passing along the canals in the boat gives you
a first-hand impression of the scenic life along Bangkok‘s waterways. You will
also visit the majestic Royal Barges and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn, one of the
most attractive temples in Thailand) and Santa Cruz Church before
returning to your hotel.

Day 3: Bangkok, River
& Canal Life at Ampawa

Meals
Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

For those wanting to explore
and experience true Thai river life style, we highly recommend to visit Ampawa.
Just about 80 kilometers south of Bangkok, Ampawa district enchants visitors
with traditional wooden Thai houses built along canals, coconut and fruit
orchards and rural life style. An early start from Bangkok to see the unique fresh market
along the railway tracks in Mae Klong. When the train
approaches the station, watch the vendors dismantling their stalls, so that the
train can pass through. A short drive by van brings us to Ampawa, a picturesque
little town located on the Mae Klong River. Visit a family’s home to observe
the production
of palm sugar. Embark on a boat trip in a
motorized long-tail boat to explore the numerous canals and observe traditional
Thai way of living along Thailand’s waterways. Stops will be made to visit Wat Pumarin,
which exhibits a beautifully painted wooden Kudi. Another stop will be made at Wat Bang Kung,
built during the Ayutthaya period (more than 200 years ago). This interesting
temple is completely embraced by the roots of a huge Banyan Tree. Disembark at
Baan Amphawa Resort for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Pinsuwan
Benjarong House and Museum, where you have the opportunity to
watch the skilled artisans painting the delicate china ware with intricate
designs. Take a stroll along Amphawa’s main canal with its lovingly restored
wooden shop houses, many of them converted to small coffee shops, restaurants
and souvenir shops selling local products. On weekends, this area is extremely
busy with Bangkokians flocking to Ampawa to enjoy the weekend food market along
the canal. Transfer back to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at
leisure.

Day 4: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
"Rose of the North"

Meals Provided: Breakfast

After leisurely morning, you will be transferred to the airport
in time for your flight to Chiang Mai.

Welcome to Chiang Mai.
Upon arrival at Chiang Airport. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport
to meet outside a local Guide of Global Travel & Tours. He/she will be
holding a sign with your names on it. Please note that local guides are not
allowed inside the airport.

From the airport, you will
be privately transferred to your lovely boutique hotel. Thailand’s second city
and capital of the north, Chiang Mai has a great cultural heritage and is a
charming place to spend a few days learning the art of Thai cooking, browsing
through colourful markets or relaxing by the river after a trek. The city has a
tradition for making handicrafts and the expertise here makes it a good place
to pick up silk, silver, lacquer and wooden souvenirs. Chiang Mai is also
famous as a religious centre and there are a number of interesting wats to
visit as you wander around the city’s streets. Outside Chiang Mai lies a region
of mountains, valleys and rivers where the hill tribes live and the city has
long been a base from which to go trekking or start an exploration of the
beautiful north of the country.

After getting settled, you'll
head out with your guide and spend the afternoon visit four of the
most important temples: Wat Phra Singh. This 14th century Lanna style temple
has been one of Chiang Mai's most important sanctuaries. Opposite is Wat
Prasat, one of the oldest unreconstructed temples in the city, and after
looking around here you will visit Wat Chedi Luang which is one of Chiang Mai's
most famous, and ancient, temples and houses a stupa that dates back to the
15th century. From
here head to the city walls on to one of the most beautiful viewpoints for
sunset – Wat Suan Dok where the ashes of former kings of Chiang Mai and
the Royal Family are kept.
Here at this fourteenth century temple you will witness evening prayer as the
monks and local people come together at the end of the day.

Elephants Thailand's
national animals are an integral part of Chiang Mai’s
economy and culture. After breakfast, your guide will
meet you at your hotel and drive to Chiang Dao, literally translated 'the City
of Stars', is North of Chiang Mai en route to Tha Ton. Chiang Dao town center
has charming old style wooden shops flanking the highway. Chiang Dao is famous
for its Elephant Camp and Elephant show. You arrive at the camp after a drive
along picturesque routes - winding around the bends of the road high above the
Mae (River) Ping. Watch the elephants taking their morning bath and
demonstrating some of their skills. Afterwards take an elephant ride for
approx. 1½ hrs through some of the lovely forest scenery and along the river.
Perched high in a wooden howdah, you gain an impressive view of the forest and
an unforgettable experience. After lunch, take a bamboo raft trip down the Mae
Ping. Admire the scenery and absorb the tranquility as you float down the
river. We also visit hill tribe villages to meet the people of the Palong,
Padong and Karen tribes, who'll share their folkways with you... you'll visit
local village children at school, and even get to try on the traditional neck
rings worn by members of the Karen tribe. On your return trip to Chiang Mai,
visit an orchid farm. Transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the evening
at your leisure.

Day 6: Life
in the hill tribe villages and scenic Doi Suthep

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Your guide will meet you at
your hotel at 8:00am and taken to the White Hmong tribal village of Khun Chang
Kien is located in the vicinity of Doi (=mountain) Suthep. Here you see the
Hmong in their colorful costumes selling their wide range of antiques,
decorative ornaments and fabrics. The villagers now earn their living by
planting vegetables and growing fruit, having replaced their traditional cash
crop – the opium poppy. Afterwards you will be driven up a serpentine road to
the magnificently situated Wat Doi Suthep. Perched on a forested mountain, this
most sacred Chiang Mai temple (3,280ft above sea level) provides a superb view
over the city, as well as a wealth of Buddha statues made of jade and bronze as
well as some frescos.

This afternoon is at your leisure. Relax and enjoy the amenities
at your hotel, or explore more of Chiang Mai.

Day 7: Chiang Mai / Krabi

Meals Provided: Breakfast

After leisurely morning, you will be transferred to the airport
in time for your flight to Krabi.

Welcome to Krabi.
Upon arrival at Krabi Airport. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport
to meet outside a local Guide of Global Travel & Tours. He/she will be
holding a sign with your names on it. Please note that local guides are not
allowed inside the airport.

From the airport, you will
be privately transferred to your lovely beach resort. Krabi
one of the rising stars in Thailand’s tourism industry is unquestionably Krabi.
Visitors are falling in love with the picturesque tropical islands, which come
in many sizes and shapes, that are located just offshore this southern
province. Surrounded by lush vegetation and towering karst formations, Krabi is
an ideal place for beach and nature lovers. Major attractions include the Susan
Hoi (Shell Cemetery), Noppharat Thara Beach, Phra Nang Beach, and the
spectacular islands of Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta, famed for their unspoiled
beaches surrounded by bright blue waters and coral reefs.Settle
in and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.